Jim “Jimmy” Van Antwerp, beloved husband, father, brother, coach, and friend, passed away on September 19, 2024, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Born on August 8, 1965, in Detroit, Michigan, to Jack and Alice Van Antwerp, Jim was a man of immense intelligence, curiosity, and devotion to those around him.
His boundless love for his family and friends and his unforgettable sense of humor left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him.
Jim was a lifelong learner, always researching and reading, especially on coaching, leadership and team building. His passion for hockey was central to his life, both as a player and coach. He was the heart of the hockey rink, and as a coach, he changed the lives of countless young people. His mentorship extended far beyond the ice, as he was dedicated to guiding youth with care, wisdom and humor. While he could arguably be considered one of “hockey’s greatest minds”, he was far more interested in developing great leaders and people rather than great players (we think he did a pretty great job at both.)
Jim’s love for his children knew no bounds, and he was known as the funniest and most dedicated dad. He traveled the U.S. with his family for hockey tournaments and later to visit national parks, always placing his kids and wife, Tammy, at the center of his world.
A man of many talents, Jim was also a trivia master and seemed to know every hidden local landmark across this country which he loved dearly. He cherished mornings on the golf course, mowing the grass with a cup of coffee in hand as the sun rose listening to podcasts. Jim relished playing hockey with his close friends in Petoskey. Snow days were a particular favorite, where he would open the ice rink for his children and their friends to spend the day doing homework and playing hockey.
To be Jim’s friend was to feel like you were the most important person in the room. He had an extraordinary ability to make others feel valued, cared for, and special. His unwavering attention and support were a gift to everyone fortunate enough to know him. His legacy as a coach, father, husband, and friend will forever remain in the hearts of those whose lives he touched.
Jim will be greatly missed by those that he left behind. He is survived by his wife Tammy (Gable) Van Antwerp; daughter Allyson Van Antwerp (Zach Manneback); son Andrew Van Antwerp; bonus daughter Sydney Boucher; siblings John (Mary) Van Antwerp, Jan (Robert) Evans, Paul (Donna) Van Antwerp and Mark (Brenda) Van Antwerp. Jim was preceded in death by his parents Jack and Alice (Gohl) Van Antwerp.
There will be a visitation at Stone Funeral Home on Monday, September 23, 2024, from 5-8:00 p.m. and a Memorial Mass will be at St. Francis Xavier Church on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. with a one-hour visitation prior to Mass. Father Greg McCallum will officiate.
In honor of Jim’s memory, contributions can be made to support youth hockey programs, continuing his lifelong passion for building and enriching young lives through the sport he loved. Please send donations to the Petoskey High School Hockey Team directed to the Coach Van Hockey Scholarship. Checks may be mailed to PO Box 750, Petoskey, MI 49770.
In lieu of flowers; hug your loved ones, share a drink with your friends, and be your children’s biggest fan.
Jim Van Antwerp was not only a great man but a #1 husband, father, and friend. His life, filled with love, laughter, and dedication, will be celebrated and remembered always.
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